The Scout Sign

Scouter's Minute

After having been around scouting for a few years it is not very hard to pick up various habits. Reciting an oath has been one of them. On one occasion, not too long ago, a seasoned veteran of the New York City Police Department was being sworn in at a Grand Jury Proceeding.

The officer raised his right hand and swore to tell the truth ...all the time holding his pinkey with the thumb of his righthand in the scout sign. The officer realized it almost immediately but not before the district attorney noticed and commented, " officer, I think you've just increased your credibility a 100 fold with this grand jury".

Such is the effect of the scout sign. It has great meaning and symbolism for truth and justice. And so it should!